Linux has some advantages in that a lot of the basic stuff, someone from 1985 would pick it up pretty fast, I think. Commandlines are very conservative. I have scripts I haven't changed in 15 years.

I was going to say it sounds like linux mint would be your dream OS its stable and bullet proof. Download everything through package manager if you really need up to date program flatpaks or appimages have you covered. Never have the computer force an update on you or change things around again. Both my elderly parents use LM every day for years not one complaint after I set everything up for them with like web app shortcuts to banks and stuff. I think youll like it, modern linux is so much better than years ago its unreal. Look for a cheap used thinkpad if you a laptop user.